> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.sbtinstruments.com/advanced/measurements-explained/measurements-explained.md).

# What are cells/mL vs total/mL

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/OBZfr9phRHHfilRkXcic" alt="The BactoBox® Results screen: 340 000 cells per ml, out of 4 850 000 total per ml, measurement ID Q38, gating BacTotal_v2024-10."><figcaption><p>This is what you usually see after a measurement.</p></figcaption></figure></div>

After a measurement, BactoBox® shows you two concentrations: a *cells/mL* count, out of a *total/mL* count. Below them is the measurement ID, so you can match the result to your sample. Write both numbers down, as they disappear once you start the next action.

## What the two numbers mean

BactoBox® counts and classifies the individual particles in your sample vial. Gating sorts them into two categories: *cells* and *other*. Together, *cells* and *other* give *total*.

<figure><img src="/files/MqlmZFro95h4QxjpIEVG" alt="A stacked bar showing that cells plus other particles add up to the total particle count."><figcaption><p>Cells plus other particles add up to total.</p></figcaption></figure>

So *cells/mL* is the bacteria, and *total/mL* is everything BactoBox® counted. We do not show *other/mL* on the Results screen. You find it in *summary.csv* (see [summary.csv](/software/file-formats/download-your-data.md)).

## Category names follow gating

The category names follow the gating. The screen above uses the `BacTotal_v2024-10` gating, so it reads *cells/ml* and *total/ml*, with the gating named at the bottom. Other gating settings use other names, such as *intact cells*, *custom cells*, and *total particles*. See [Gating](/advanced/measurements-explained/gating.md) for how BactoBox® decides what counts as a cell.

## See also

BactoBox® gives a trustworthy result only within a certain concentration range. Below or above it, the numbers get unreliable.

{% content-ref url="/pages/CVDfJKMheH5F7M7Yk3f4" %}
[Limit of detection](/advanced/measurements-explained/limits-of-detection.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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